The Department for Communities, part of the Northern Ireland Executive, has announced that it has opened the window for submission of draft codes of practice which have been produced by a person or group who have a relevant interest in matters surrounding intoxicating liquor in licensed premises and/or registered clubs.

In its announcement, the department said:

"The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 amended the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (the Licensing Order) and the Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (the Clubs Order), adding a new provision to each Order, which allows the Department to approve relevant codes of practice which have been produced by a person or group who have a relevant interest in matters surrounding intoxicating liquor in licensed premises and/or registered clubs.

"Further information on codes of practice, things to consider when drafting a code and how to submit a draft code for approval can be found on the Department’s Code of Practice webpage. I have also attached a link to the relevant provisions, Article 76F in the Licensing Order and Article 41K in the Clubs Order.

"The Department will be accepting draft codes until 29 February 2024."